Harvey Wilson Sewell Jr.

H.W. (Bill) Sewell, Jr. passed away peacefully January 7, 2014 with family at his bedside after a long struggle with Parkinson's Disease. Bill was a native Houstonian, the oldest of the five children of Harvey W. and Georgia Sewell. He was preceded in death by his brother Richard Sewell. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Jody, daughter Amy Ground, son-in-law Jeffrey Ground, and grandchildren Grayson, Logan and Hannah. He is also survived by his sisters Margo Chandler of Humble, Exar Vallery of Houston, and brother Joel Sewell of The Woodlands. After graduation from Jeff Davis High School, Bill worked full time at First Methodist Church, Houston while attending the University of Houston. He served as stationary engineer and managed the print shop and sound systems. He graduated from the U of H in 1961. After graduation, Bill worked for All Tex Mortgage Association, in Houston. He was transferred to the Amarillo branch of All Tex in 1962 to assist with collections. While in Amarillo, Bill and his close friend Lon Smith obtained a bank charter to form Great Plains National Bank where he served as Assistant VP. Also While in Amarillo, Bill met and married JoAnn (Jody) McLain after a brief courtship. Bill and Jody returned to Houston in 1966 when Bill was hired by Jerry Finger, at Republic National Bank, aka Charter Bank. Bill excelled at banking, specializing in Small Business Administration loans. Bill developed close, lifelong friendships with many of his bank clients. Bill served Charter Bank in several locations, ending his career with Charter Bank as President of the Willowbrook location. During this time, Bill was very active in the Cy Fair Chamber of Commerce, serving as Chairman of the Board for 1991-1992. Bill retired from Charter Bank aka Nations Bank in 1996 at the age of 62. After enjoying a brief retirement, Bill agreed to emerge from retirement with Paradigm Bank. Bill served as President of Paradigm Bank locations in Huffman, Winnie and Mont Belvieu. He retired a second time at the age of 69. In 1999 Bill joined the US Coast Guard Auxiliary as a way to continue his lifelong love of boating. Beginning in 2003, Bill spent 3 days a week with Sector Houston Galveston as Vessel Traffic Arrival Officer. He completed his volunteerism in the Marine Safety Unit in 2007. Bill was a lifelong avid salt water fisherman and boater. He also loved hunting, golfing, sailing, scuba diving and snow skiing. Visitation will be Friday January 17, 2014 from 5 to 8 o'clock at Brookside Funeral Home, Houston. The Memorial Service will be Saturday January 18, 2014 at 2 o'clock at Brookside.